Celebrating State Senator Britnee Timberlake
A Lifetime of Service and Advocacy
Ms. Timberlake was elected to the New Jersey Senate in November 2023. She previously served in the Assembly, representing the 34th District from 2018-2024. A resident of East Orange, the senator served as the President of the Essex County Board of Freeholders from 2014-2018.
Previously, she worked as the Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Essex Community Land Trust and for the City of East Orange’s Department of Policy, Planning, & Economic Development as well as its Department of Health.
Senator Timberlake has long been a champion for economic development and social justice. Previously serving in the Assembly representing the 34th District, Senator Timberlake has built her career around creating opportunities and addressing systemic inequities.
Her connection to Orange began during her time as Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Essex Community Land Trust. “Pat Morrissy introduced me to HANDS and Orange,” Senator Timberlake shared. “He showed me the vision of revitalizing vacant and abandoned properties to uplift low- and moderate-income families. That work was transformative, launching families into a new stratosphere of economic stability. To ensure the land and homes are always available to the community—it’s an honor to serve Orange in that way.”
A Deeply Rooted Passion for Service
Senator Timberlake’s dedication to helping others stems from her upbringing. The daughter of an Army 82nd Airborne father and a mother who taught students with developmental and physical challenges, she learned early the importance of serving others and standing up for what is right. A pivotal moment came when, as a child, she watched her mother organize a peaceful protest against a hate group marching through their town.
“That experience taught me to confront challenges with love and determination,” Senator Timberlake said. “It shaped my commitment to finding effective solutions for social issues, particularly those centering on poverty and equity.”
A Vibrant and Diverse Community
Senator Timberlake is proud to represent Orange, a city she describes as vibrant, diverse, and full of opportunity.
“Orange is a tapestry of communities,” she said. “From the Caribbean Festival to the Italian-American Heritage Festival, each segment of the city brings its own historical significance and cultural richness. HANDS has done a phenomenal job of highlighting that history and fostering camaraderie.”
Her military upbringing—having lived in numerous communities around the country—reinforced her belief in the importance of connection and advocacy.
“Community is everything,” Senator Timberlake explained. “Growing up in military communities, I learned to make friends quickly and understand the systems that work and those that are broken. Those lessons inform my work every day as a legislator.”
Empowering Everyday Leadership
Senator Timberlake believes that everyone has the power to create meaningful change, regardless of their title or role.
“You don’t have to be a senator to make a difference,” she said. “We all touch systems that can be improved. Whether you’re a business owner, a teacher, or a neighbor, you have the opportunity to create equity and make the world better. Leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about using your position to bring about change.”
For Senator Timberlake, this philosophy extends to her role as a mother.
“In every role, we should be thinking about how to make the world better,” she said. “As a mom, I focus on instilling self-confidence and compassion in my children. We all have the power to be the change and we should use it every single time.”
The Impact of HANDS
Senator Timberlake credits HANDS for its unwavering commitment to improving Orange.
“HANDS is a mission-driven organization that truly works for the betterment of the community,” she said. “Their work in restoring properties, fostering equity, and empowering residents is invaluable. Organizations like HANDS are critical to shaping a thriving Orange.”
Looking Ahead
As Senator Timberlake continues her work in the legislature, her vision for Orange remains clear: a community where equity and opportunity are accessible to all.
“It’s an honor to serve Orange and to be part of its growth,” she said. “I believe in the power of people coming together to solve problems and create opportunities. Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant Orange.”
